From the rehearsal dinner to the night-time party, the wedding wardrobes of today extend beyond rings, dresses and suits. As we see more and more modern-day weds adorning themselves in bridal jewellery for their special day.
What’s even better is that bridal jewellery is versatile and can be worn for longer periods than just the vows. So, if you’re looking for a piece (or pieces) of luxury jewellery that stands the test of time, then look no further!
Bridal jewellery brands have long been coined as ‘luxurious’. But what makes these luxury brand names so magnificent?
Cartier
Starting off with one of the elite in luxury, Cartier, a Swiss brand not only famous for its watches but also for its exceptional jewellery. Founded in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, by the 1850s this brand had already garnered royal and aristocratic patronage which carries on today.
For instance, the Cartier halo scroll tiara was worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on her wedding day in 2011. Containing over 1,000 diamonds, this bridal piece has a fascinating history; occasionally worn by Princess Margaret, the Cartier tiara was originally a wedding anniversary gift from King George VI to his wife Elizabeth (also known as the Queen Mother) in 1936.
Although we (unfortunately) have no royal tiaras we do have some rather impressive vintage Cartier pieces in our jewellery collection.
Here we have a vintage pair of 18 carat yellow gold hair clips by Cartier. Fitted to the original hinged red leatherette presentation box, with a satin and velvet lined interior, these Cartier hairclips can be safely stored by a bride even after her big day. What’s a better way to make a statement than under the veil revealing with these stunning hairclips. In addition to this, bridal hair can be secured back for the evening party using none other than 18 carat gold Cartier!
A perfect addition to any groom’s shirt. This impressive pair of 18 carat yellow gold cufflinks are vintage Cartier. And are exceptional in their quality, gauge of gold and condition which is to be expected from a piece from such a renowned maker. Perhaps these cufflinks can be used as a piece of heirloom jewellery; passed down from groom to groom for generations to come.
Boucheron
Moving on to Boucheron, a luxury jewellery house founded in 1858 by Frédéric Boucheron. Interestingly, Boucheron is the oldest jewellery house in Place Vendôme, known as the ‘hub of luxury jewellery’ in France.
Known for its daring and creative design, Boucheron has consistently demonstrated a passion for unique elegance within its bridal collection. From bold brooches to truly breathtaking rings, Boucheron has made an eye-catching guest appearance at many weddings for decades.
Shop Boucheron Bridal Jewellery
Garrard & Co
Garrard & Co, formerly known as Asprey & Garrard Limited, was founded in London in 1735 by George Wickes. The luxury brand specialises in fine jewellery, and similar to Cartier, jewellery by Gerrard has accessorised brides for years, especially royal brides.
That’s right, you heard it, a royal wedding! And if that doesn’t demonstrate the height of luxury, we don’t know what does…
For instance, Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau showstopping tiara was worn by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on her wedding day to Prince Harry. Made by Garrard in 1925 for Queen Elizabeth’s grandmother, Queen Mary, the tiara originally had a sapphire centrepiece, but it has since been changed to a diamond when worn by the Duchess of Sussex in 2018.
De Beers
The De Beers diamond company was first established in Southern Africa in 1888. Specialising in diamonds, De Beers aims to use the rarest natural gemstones to create unique luxury designs.
In 1947, De Beers revolutionised the way diamonds were sold; copywriter, Frances Gerety, wrote the famous slogan ‘a diamond is forever’ for the company at this time, pushing sales for this luxury brand through the roof. This slogan is widely regarded as the best of the 20th century, and its effect is still being felt in the jewellery industry today. The master of marketing, De Beers is also responsible for the slogan ‘she married you for richer or poorer, let her know how it’s going’ to sell eternity rings. And guess what, it worked.
Over the years many a bride (or bride-to-be) have opted to wear De Beers jewellery as the brand has set a high standard of quality and pushed the boundaries of what diamonds can be. To own De Beers diamond jewellery is to take part in the ever-growing history of the spell-binding gemstone.
Tiffany & Co
Tiffany & Co was founded in New York in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young, this luxury brand is an enduring symbol of American elegance as well as its iconic feature on bridal jewellery across the globe.
Talk about Tiffany necklace/ring
Original Tiffany & Co examples, in such high quality and condition, is becoming increasingly difficult to locate. And if you ask me, that’s even more of a reason to bring Tiffany & Co jewellery into your ensemble to tie the knot.
Learn more on Tiffany & Co here
Is Luxury Bridal Jewellery Really Worth It?
Of course, we’re a little biased, but we think so!
Luxury bridal jewellery, whilst often a significant investment, can be worth the price tag for a plethora of reasons. Not only does it add those touches of opulence and elegance to a bridal look, but it also serves as a timeless keepsake and can carry sentimental value for generations to come.
The dedicated craftsmanship and high-quality materials which go into making such stunning pieces ensure longevity and durability of the piece and further allows for such pieces to become future heirloom jewellery.
So, when it comes to selecting bridal jewellery that truly embodies the essence of your special day, top luxury brands like Cartier, Boucheron, Gerrard & Co, De Beers, and Tiffany & Co stand out as exceptional choices. These renowned brands offer not only exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs but also a legacy of elegance and prestige that can enhance the significance of your wedding. And whilst they may represent a significant investment, the quality, customization options, and enduring value of these pieces make them worth considering for your big day.
They transform not just the bride’s appearance but also the overall wedding experience, creating a sense of luxury and lasting memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Choosing one of these top luxury bridal jewellery brands is more than a fashion statement; it’s a symbol of the enduring commitment and love celebrated on your wedding day.
Resources
https://www.brides.com/wedding-jewelry-vendors-5197981
https://bridelifestyle.com/ideas-tips/worlds-top-engagement-and-wedding-ring-brands
